“It was really big for me just to win that first set,” said Serena after saving two set points. “We’ve had so many tough matches in the past, so I couldn’t let the elements get into my head. I hadn’t played great against Alize in the past…so I thought how I at least wanted to get a win.”

Two Top 10ers in the field, in addition to two former No. 1s…The Top 8 seeds receive opening-round byes…Potential tough starts for (9) Jankovic vs. Garcia and (3) Venus Williams vs. Riske…Wildcards were awarded to Americans Frances Altick, Louisa Chirico and Shelby Rogers…

Top-seeded Garbine Muguruza pulled from the event after winning Beijing, forcing a shuffle of the draw…(2) Kerber will start against the former Slam winner Schiavone…Seeds Kerber, Jankovic and Stosur received wildcards…Also pulling from the event were Victoria Azarenka, Eugenie Bouchard, Zarina Diyas, Sabine Lisicki, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Coco Vandeweghe…No former champs are in the field…In last year’s final Lisicki topped Karolina Pliskova.

Contrary to what commentator Chris Evert says, Serena Williams is the GOAT. She, the Martinas, everyone else is out. But having said that, the odds are against Serena that she is going to win the US Open and complete the calendar year Grand Slam. The pressure build up is too great.